Aloha State News

The 2024 legislative session of the Hawaii State Legislature focused heavily on recovery efforts following the Maui wildfires, which caused significant devastation last August. Among the key legislative priorities were developing a recovery plan, stabilizing insurance, and addressing the securitization for electric utility infrastructure and housing recovery. State Director Michael Iosua from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) provided insights on these developments.

In addition to wildfire-related concerns, lawmakers also proposed legislation concerning recreational marijuana, hazard pay for state workers active during the COVID-19 pandemic, income tax relief, and measures aimed at protecting the state's natural resources.

One significant development was the progress of House Bill 2404, which represents a "historic tax reduction bill." This legislation aims to incrementally raise standard deduction amounts and expand income tax brackets for taxable years starting after December 31, 2023. The bill is currently awaiting the governor's approval.

The legislature also tackled various labor-related proposals. Several family and sick leave measures, such as HB 1658/SB 2046 and HB 1659/SB 2047, which aimed to expand leave benefits, were introduced but not scheduled for hearings.

Employment bills proposed covered a wide spectrum, including HB 1638, which would allow counties to enforce disclosure of employee information, and SB 2663, concerning unemployment benefits for employees involved in labor disputes. Some other notable bills, such as SB 2784 related to minimum wages for tipped employees, did not progress.

Environmental concerns were highlighted in bills like HB 2081, which sought to impose penalties for nonpayment of the transient accommodation tax, with proceeds aimed at resource management and protection.

In the realm of data privacy, SB 2012 and SB 2695 required businesses providing online services accessible to children to uphold specific data privacy standards. These bills, however, faced delays.

The legislative wrap-up indicated that the session, which commenced on January 17 and adjourned on May 3, saw the introduction of 2,677 bills, with approximately 269 passing both chambers and awaiting the governor's response by July 10. An intent to veto list must be published by June 25.

Looking ahead, the NFIB anticipates that many topical issues will resurface in the 2025 legislative session, with their team poised to engage lawmakers.